Women Forest Landowners: Sharing Educational Goals Through Partnerships

By NRCS DCs Detra Boutwell and Joyce Nicholas and SWCD DACs Chasity Pettis and Bridget Cain

When Bibb County, Alabama, TREASURE Forest Association member Romaleta James approached us about hosting a forest landowners seminar for women, we went into the planning mode.

Successful, informative, and fun describes the three one-day events held in Monroe, Conecuh, and Escambia Counties. Although each event was similar, through the cooperative planning of representatives from each county, there was plenty of variety.

The event targeted women who are often less involved in the daily operations of the management of their forestland property. Topics included:

• "What do I do now that Daddy’s gone?"
• "How do I choose a contractor to harvest my timber?"
• "How does timber management fit into estate planning."

The seminar locations were selected from local forest landowners, adding a personal touch to each event. In Monroe County, Ms. Virginia Taylor hosted the one-day event at her locally well-known family home, the Hybart House in Monroeville. In Conecuh County, Mrs. Carol Ryals of Repton graciously hosted the event at her family cabin located within a well-cared-for forestland. Dr. Bernard (Bert) Eichold and his wife Carolyn hosted the Escambia event at their lodge in the community of Nokomis. Each of these landowners have been actively involved with their respective SWCD/NRCS field offices and displayed sincere desires to not only properly care for their land but also to share the beauty of these locations with others.

Despite torrential rains, the Conecuh event had one hundred percent attendance of those pre-registered. The outdoor events planned for the day were moved indoors, and the learning went on!

The Escambia event was held on a Saturday to accommodate week-day working participants. Each event included local women forest landowners sharing their own stories. One story was that of Jill Earp (Escambia County) who had to take on the task of resolving the family estate as a teenager, and began managing the land while in college.

The three events had a combined total of 34 women, along with grandchildren and some spouses.

The Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Society provided some funds for the events, and the participants paid a registration fee to offset the costs. Local businesses gave other support including door prizes that varied from plants and herbicides to hand sprayers and even rocking chairs. Each participant received a notebook filled with information about SWCD/NRCS and how we can assist them in their conservation concerns. They also received basic training of forest measurements, and a handy pocket reference book to identify trees.

In addition to the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association, specialists from local partnering agencies provided a diverse group of speakers. Speakers included representatives from the Conecuh, Monroe, and Escambia Counties ACES, the Alabama Forestry Commission, Forestry Planning Commissions, and FSA. Earth Team Volunteers also provided assistance.

In all, over 30 partners pulled together to conduct the three events. This is a perfect example of what partnership can accomplish – Helping People Help the Land.

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